Whether you’re wondering if you have 4C hair or you wish you do, we get many questions regarding this particular hair type. For starters, 4C hair is the one with the tightest curls. Most subtypes of type 4 hair have similar qualities. 4C hair has zigzag patterns and tends to be more fragile.
People with 4C or kinky hair will notice a few defining qualities in their hair. The first is how hard it is for their hair to remain moisturized. 4C hair tends to dry out quickly. 4C hair also has very high shrinkage rates. Finally, people with 4C hair will tell you how often their hair gets tangled and how fragile it is. It’s not out of the ordinary for 4C to break and frizzle if it’s not taken care of.
Can You Grow Your 4C Hair?
The notion that 4C hair can’t grow is completely false. The main issue with 4C hair is shrinkage. Shrinkage makes you feel like you’re hair isn’t growing at all. The truth is, your hair is growing horizontally because it shrinks and coils. If you stretch out your hair, you’d be surprised about how long it actually is.
What’s the Difference between 4C Hair and others such as 4A and 4B?
All type 4 hair is curly and coiled. The tightest coils are found in 4C hair and they tend to have a z-shape. 4A and 4B hair are also coiled but not as much as 4C hair. Due to its tendency to coil, 4C hair tends to break more than the other two subtypes. 4C hair can look the fullest and when taken care of, can also look the shiniest and the longest. You also have more styling options with 4C hair. It’s like a high-risk high reward situation.
4C hair is not coarse. Most people assume that coiled hair is automatically very coarse. Since 4C is the most coiled, people think it’s the coarsest. This notion is false. The curlier your hair, the thinner your hair strands are. The reason 4C hair might not feel soft is because it can be dry. Dryness is due to oils having a hard time getting from the scalp to the tips of your hair. 4C hair can feel and look very soft when it’s moisturized and taken care of.
Is it Bad Hair?
The idea that 4C hair is “bad hair” because it’s curlier than other hair types couldn’t be more wrong. There’s no such thing as bad hair and good hair. All hair types are beautiful. The difference is due to genetics and environmental factors. Each hair type has its issues. For 4C hair, its main enemy is dryness. If you use conditioners, co-washes, and other products to keep your hair fresh and healthy, it’ll look amazing regardless of how you style it. Let’s not forget that there are dozens of styling options for people with 4C hair.
